MILLVILLE – The city is mourning the loss of one of its longtime law enforcement leaders, former Millville Police Chief Thomas P. Haas.

The 60-year-old died from an unspecified cause Thursday at Inspira Medical Center Vineland, according to an obituary with Christy Funeral Service.

Haas, who served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1970s and later as a volunteer firefighter in Millville, is best known for his 30-year career with the police department, which began in 1985 and concluded with his retirement last year.

“I had the pleasure of working with Tom Haas for a majority of those 30 years and he will be greatly missed,” former police Capt. Matt Rabbai said.

While it is not immediately clear what the cause of death was, the obituary states Haas died surrounded by his friends and family at the hospital four days before what would have been his 61st birthday Monday.

Born and raised in Millville, Haas graduated from Millville Senior High School in 1973.

It was that year he entered the Air Force and went on to earn several medals and recognitions throughout his eight-year stint.

Trained as a jet engine technician, Haas eventually rose to the rank of E-5 and lead C-5 Galaxy Crew Chief, according to his obituary.

With duties that took him around the world, Haas was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal/Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, according to his obit.

Returning to Millville, Haas later served as a volunteer firefighter for close to a decade.

But Haas may be best known for his service in the city’s police department.

His police career started when he was hired on Sept. 3, 1985. After rising through the ranks in the following decades, he became chief on Sept. 9, 2010.

He served in that capacity until April 1, 2015.

Det. Lt. Ross Hoffman in a news release said Haas will be remembered as having served “loyally and faithfully,” and for his passion with the department’s K-9 unit.

On a more personal level, Haas’s obituary states: “Tom was the definition of a great man. He was an honest, kind-hearted person who always put his family first. With his hard-working attitude, he found satisfaction in helping others through serving his country and community. His sense of humor touched everyone he met.”